James L. “Jim” Roper III, age 96, of Cornelia, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, July 1, 2018.
Mr. Roper was born on October 20, 1921, in Cornelia, Georgia; a son of the late James L. Roper, Jr. and Lillian Brewer Roper. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Frances Keesler Roper and daughter, Cheryl Kay Roper. Mr. Roper’s grandparents were the former owners of the Tip Top, which is now known as The Trading Post. He was a 1938 graduate of Tallulah Falls School and a United States Army Veteran having served during World War II. Jim was an electric motor and tool repairman in Georgia and Florida. He was also a surveyor for REA Electric Lines during the beginning. Mr. Roper was a square dance caller in Georgia and Florida for over 50 years, as well as a member of the American Callers Association and the Northeast Georgia Federation of Square Dancers. An avid Amateur Radio Operator for over 70 years, Mr. Roper’s call sign was W4NJM.
Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Dave Reiff of Southwest Ranches, FL; daughter, Karen Sue Roper of The Villages, Florida; son and daughter-in-law, James L. Roper IV and Mary Anne of Key Largo, FL; sister, Bettye McGrew of Michigan; grandchildren: Celeste Roper, Stephanie Del Valle, and David James Reiff; great-grandchildren, Troy Marshall Gonzalez and Stella Rose Del Valle; and two great-great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 20, 2018, at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, Georgia, with Reverend James L. Roper IV officiating. Inurnment will follow in Level Grove Cemetery with full military honors provided by the United States Army Honor Guard, Habersham County American Legion Post #84, Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720, and Rabun County DAV Chapter #15.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Villagers for Veterans – The Pam Kelly Project, 3075 Kramer Court, The Villages, Florida 32163 or VilllagersForVeterans.org.
Those wishing to express online condolences to the family may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, South Chapel, 1370 Industrial Boulevard, Baldwin, Georgia.
